Blog: FSU Pro Day

The former Florida State quarterback made 102 throws during FSU's Pro Day Tuesday.

While television analysts on the NFL Network questioned the throwing script, highlighted by brooms and pads that forced Winston to move in the pocket during his early throws, Winston still impressed with his arm strength and touch during the 55-minute session.

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Winston at FSU's Pro Day(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat)

After struggling early to find his rhythm, Winston finished with a flurry and looked especially comfortable and confident on red-zone throws (inside the 20-yard line).

Winston told the NFL Network that he was happy with his performance during the taxing workout with his former teammates.

"I felt it went great because the guys were great," Winston said.

"It was great to be out there with those guys, that's my team. The (NFL) Combine is different; that's my team (at Pro Day). Those are my brothers."

Jameis Winston asked why he should be selected No. 1 overall. &quot;Because I&#39;m the best player in this draft.&quot; ... https://t.co/RJ7UX0UC6H

Winston cited his competitiveness for the reason his session featured an additional 40 throws compared to other Pro Days nationally. He also said he wanted to give his teammates the opportunity to showcase their skills.

Winston also stressed he will continue to work on his footwork in the pocket.

"It's about moving in the pocket and being able to extend plays and I just wanted to show that and I believe I did," said Winston, who also added he has dropped 20 pounds since his playing days at FSU.

"I have to improve on my pocket management. I have to know when to move just one step or move 6 yards. I believe that throwing on the run is different than just managing the pocket and taking a step back and being able to (throw it) with accuracy.

"Throwing on the run is different. I am going to work on that - hard."

Winston also repeated his plans to skip the NFL Draft in Chicago on April 30, saying his grandmother was too ill to travel.

Winston is scheduled to watch the draft with family and friends at a venue in Birmingham, Alabama.

Jamies Up Next

It's nearly that time. He is expected to make 102 throws.

QB Jameis Winston also introduced each of the players he is scheduled to throw to. Nice touch.

Clark's Corner

They were sights you just don't see everyday on a college campus.

NFL head coaches like Mike Tomlin and Lovie Smith walking from drill to drill.

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher sitting down for a live interview with Mike Mayock and Kurt Warner of the NFL Network.

And former FSU quarterback Jameis Winston, the star attraction here at FSU's Pro Day at the indoor practice facility, having a conversation with Florida State president John Thrasher.

Yep. Not exactly a normal day here at FSU.

And Winston, the reason both the NFL Network and ESPNU are broadcasting the event live, has yet to throw.

He's expected to begin his position drills around 1 p.m.

-- Corey Clark

Tackett's Tips

PJ Williams and Ronald Darby shined during DB drills.

Darby is quick-footed and had great body control in the air. Williams is incredibly fluid for his size and has no problem making a proper cut.

Greg Reid, who is working out for another shot at the NFL, looked good too, bringing down a couple really tough balls.

Nick Waisome, while on the smaller side, has great technique and it showed. Waisome can very likely earn an invite to camp.

Mario Edwards Jr was fantastic during shuttle, "L" drills absolutely flying through the cones. Scary being that big and that fast. Eddie Goldman also looked good during those drills.

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Dustin Tackett

Stressing Mechanics

George Whitfield Jr. explained his focus with QB Jameis Winston has been on the player's footwork in the pocket.

"This is the longest Jameis has had the chance to be a football player, full-time," Whitfield said during an interview with ESPNU.

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Safid Deen and Corey Clark give FSU Pro Day update

"Right now he'd be in the middle of a baseball season, closing out games and hitting home runs. Now, we are trying to refine his footwork, shorten it up a little bit. It can get big as an outfielder or a pitcher. Trying to shorten up and sharpen the mechanics a little bit.

"He's natural at everything he does, but you can always be a little bit more refined. That's what he has been doing and I know he's going to be excited to show that off today."

"I don't know if I've met a bigger competitor or a better in-game, big-furnace, big-moment player than him and I've been around some talented guys," Whitfield said.

"He embraces all that sort of thing. He finds comfort it and thrives in it. That has been very unique to watch and that carries over to training to."

By George

George Whitfield Jr., who has worked with QB Jameis Winston in preparation for the NFL Combine and today's Pro Day, encouraged folks to get comfortable for Winston's throwing session that is scheduled to start at 12:45 p.m.

Whitfield says Winston wants to make a statement with his performance which will feature more than 100 throws, considered high for such an event.

"A lot of people feel like they know where he's going (in NFL Draft) and that may seem clear-cut, but he wants to treat this process as authentic as very other element of the process," Whitfield Jr. explained during an interview on ESPNU.

George Whitfield with Cam Erving.(Photo: Safid Deen)

"Nothing is going to be taken for granted. He wants to come out and attack it like he does everything else. Sure enough, he's going to come in here today and push this to the max. This is going to be a heavyweight workout, extra innings."

Whitfield Jr. added that Winston will bring "winning" to the NFL.

"He is big, strong, physical and move around - he can do all those things," Whitfield said.

"He will showcase today his abilities to make all types of throws and different plays. But his attitude, his mettle. The dude is vicious. He's a thermostat leader opposed to a thermometer. A thermostat guy comes in and sets his own temperature, challenges the room to come up and catch up where he is.

"Winning. That's what you grade or base a quarterback on. Winning. That's what he brings."

Jimbo on Jameis

In an interview with ESPN, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher again defended Winston's character. When asked what he said to NFL brass when asked about Winston's of-field decisions, Fisher responded:

"First and foremost, research the true facts of everything that happened," Fisher explained.

"Did he make mistakes? Yes. Where they honest mistakes? Yes. They were more immaturity mistakes. I said research and make sure you get the whole story."

WR Rashad Greene, in an interview with ESPNU, says he is pleased with his workouts in preparation for today's Pro Day.

"They've been going really well," Greene said. "I've been doing good in a lot of different things that I been trying to elevate my game to."

On the process between the end of the season and the NFL Draft, scheduled to start April 30 in Chicago.

"As a player, it definitely can be overwhelming," Greene said.

"You are so ready for the (NFL) Combine and get that out of the way. But now it's to the point I am just ready to get on a team and get back to football instead of the 40s and all this testing. I am just trying to put the icing on the cake (in today's workouts)."

Safid Says

QB Jameis Winston is slated to throw 100-plus passes, according to his quarterbacks coach George Whitfield Jr.

Today's Pro Day is a media circus but the NFL brass seems to be loose and in good spirits.

Winston has spent time socializing with FSU coach Jimbo Fisher's son Trey and teammates Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams.

Winston, always seemingly in a good mood, took out his phone to video media members taking video of him.

-- Safid Deen

Next Step

Pro agility drills are up next. The 40s are done.

Speed to Burn

Players are being timed in the 40-yard dash.

QB Jameis Winston is rooting on his former teammates and timing their 40s on his phone.

Times are not being announced or shared with the in-house media.

FSU's Tom Block and Keith Jones are providing the commentary on ESPNU (Channel 396 on Comcast).

The broadcast said Eddie Goldman's second attempt at the 40 was clocked at a 5.12.

FSU coach Jimbo Fisher is near the finish line of the 40-yard dash chatting with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

Winston(Photo: Safid Deen)

OG Bobby Hart's second attempt at the 40 was clocked at 5.47.

TE Nick O'Leary is not participating in today's Pro Day.

Though O'Leary attended and participated in the NFL Combine, word is he's still recovering from a hamstring tweak suffered in the Rose Bowl against Oregon.

Chit-Chat

Pro Day is also an opportunity for players to talk to NFL brass.

Receiver Rashad Greene was seen huddled with representatives of the Indianapolis Colts.

Mario Edwards Jr. and Cam Erving have both had discussions with the New York Jets.

Former Players In The House

Former Seminoles Greg Reid, Lonnie Pryor and Chad Abram are among a handful of former Florida State players who will showcase their skills at today's Pro Day.

Morning Update

Jameis Winston arrives at FSU's Pro Day(Photo: Dustin Tackett)

The road to the NFL continues today for quarterback Jameis Winston and several of his former Florida State teammates.

The scripted four-hour event known as Pro Day will be held in the Seminoles' indoor practice facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Winston, expected to be the top overall selection of the Tampa Bay Bucs, is expected to make 70 throws for the scores of NFL scouts, coaches and general managers. The event will be aired by the NFL Network and ESPNU.

Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner of the NFL Network said in a live update from the facility that he will be focused on Winston's footwork during his throws.

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Safid Deen and Dustin Tackett

Warner, a two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl winner, says the NFL is not always about the Big C as in completions.

"(Quarterbacks) live and die in the NFL with footwork," Warner said.

"Can he throw with his lower body? ...Do u throw on time and do u throw the ball the right way?

Winston, under the eye of quarterbacks coach George Whitfield Jr. since he left FSU in January, is expected to focus on throws that display his touch and arm strength.

Warner and fellow NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock agreed that Winston "can't be a guy to put his team in jeopardy" with unnecessary chances downfield.

"A star is at his best when his best is needed and that's what this guy is," Mayock said, quoting in part John Wooden.

Of course, both said pointed out that Winston must continue to make good decisions off the field.